Etsy Spotlight: Rekha from Divine dZigns

It’s rare that I can find a t-shirt that I fall in love with at first sight. It takes a lot to really get me interested. A unique pattern, a different color, SOMEthing to differentiate the garment from just another plain old tee.

I’m so excited to feature Rekha from the Divine dZigns Etsy store. Her t-shirts are just that – uniquely different, and very wearable. And – best of all – Rekha’s original, limited edition tees are all on sale for just $20! You can find Rekha on the Divine dZigns website, Twitter, and Facebook.

For more information or to buy any of the designs shown, just click the photo and you’ll be taken directly to Divine dZigns!

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How long have you been selling on Etsy? How did you become interested in creating t-shirts?
I created my new Etsy store in April 2011 although I did sell on Etsy in the past during 2008-2009. I started my design aspirations with a t-shirt line as I felt this was a good way to test the market and see if customers even liked my creative ideas. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback and so now I’m working on expanding the line to include more than just t-shirts.

What inspires you to create?
Most of the time what inspires me to create is because I am seeking something for myself, yet I cannot find the style, the fabric, the print or the color in the market place today. My t-shirt collection came to life because I couldn’t find a cool t-shirt to wear that had an interesting print but at the same time had a certain charm and elegance to it.

Peacock-Tee - Gray

What are some of your favorite colors/patterns/design aesthetics? How do you incorporate them into your work?
I love bright, bold color – pinks, purples, turquoise, fuchsia and I am drawn to interesting and unique prints. This is my signature style and I try to incorporate elements of it into my designs. The prints on my t-shirt line that you see in my Etsy shop are inspired by the intricacies of henna artistry. I researched many henna design books and came up with my own hand-sketched henna inspired designs.

Who are some of your favorite celebrities? Whose style would match up with what’s available in your store?
Some of my favorite celebrities include Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Christina Applegate, Courteney Cox. My t-shirt designs are for the contemporary, unique, charming and active woman which is a perfect match to these celebrity personas.

Fig - Tee

What is your workroom like? What conditions lead you to create the best work?
My workroom is neat and organized which are the conditions are I need to create my best work! But inspiration will come to me at anytime – while I’m traveling on the subway locally, traveling overseas, attending special functions and many times while I’m sleeping! I often wake up with a great concept or design idea that I quickly jot down in my notebook before I forget. Then slowly the inspiration continues to flow and before I know it a new creation or design concept is born.

How long does it take to design and create each piece?
It varies and it depends on what I’m working on. My t-shirt collection took about 2 months from the initial concept phase to actual production of samples and inventory.

What is your favorite product so far?
My first design, the Peacock Tee is one of my favorites so far. This has become my signature design which has sold the most. The deep V-neck in a neutral gray with the henna inspired print in black is a classic style that can be layered and worn with jeans, capris or a skirt offering versatile dressing options.

Mango-Tee-Tan

What is the most interesting request you’ve received from a customer?
Customers have said to me that they would love it if I had more than t-shirts – like dresses and skirts which had the similar design aesthetic to it…so I’ve listened and that is what I’m working on now hoping to launch a new line this fall.

What makes your Etsy store different from others?
My t-shirts are what make my Etsy store unique and different than others. The t-shirts that are on sale now are limited edition from the original Divine dZigns collection. I’m currently working on a new line that include skirts, dresses, long sleeve shirts and yoga pants in addition to t-shirts.

Lotus-Tee-Mint

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If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted here at ShopHappens.com, please let me know! You can reach out via email, Facebook, or Twitter.

Thank you again, Rekha, for the interview! We can’t wait to see what you have in store for your new line!!